SPORTS

Rams upset Buccaneers in thriller on last-second FG to send Tom Brady home

AMPA, Fla. — Matthew Stafford threw for 366 yards and two touchdowns and Matt Gay’s 30-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Los Angeles Rams to a 30-27 divisional playoff victory over Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Brady rallied the Bucs from a 27-3 second-half deficit with help from three Los Angeles turnovers, tying the game on Leonard Fournette’s 9-yard run on fourth-and-inches with 42 seconds remaining. But the seven-time NFL champion didn’t get an opportunity to finish the job.

Stafford led the Rams downfield after the ensuing kickoff, using completions of 20 and 44 yards to league receiving leader Cooper Kupp to set up Gay’s winning field goal.

Rams kicker Matt Gay makes a last-second field goal as Tom Brady walks off the field in this composite image.
Rams kicker Matt Gay makes a last-second field goal as Tom Brady walks off the field in this composite image.

The 13-year veteran also scored on a 1-yard run as the Rams (14-5) advanced to next Sunday’s NFC championship game at home against the San Francisco 49ers.

Rams tight end Kendall Blanton (86) celebrates with tight end Tyler Higbee (89) and offensive tackle Joe Noteboom (70) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Buccaneers in an NFC Divisional playoff game at Raymond James Stadium.
Rams tight end Kendall Blanton (86) celebrates with tight end Tyler Higbee (89) and offensive tackle Joe Noteboom (70) after scoring a touchdown.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with tight end Tyler Higbee (89) during the first half against the Buccaneers in a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with tight end Tyler Higbee (89).

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